Public Schools Foundation Raises $6,350 Toward Student Lunch Debt

Sioux City Public Schools Foundation and U.S. Bank raised $6,350 toward student lunch debt through its “30-30 Project.”

Through the program, participants fast for 30 straight hours to raise money in order to help low-income students facing a 30 million word gap.

The foundation asked volunteers to donate or collect $10 for every hour fasted.

The district says 66% of its students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The district says its low-income students are at a disadvantage in literacy and English – hearing, speaking, and reading 30million less words than other students upon entering school.

“They’re really coming in way behind already, when in a lot of times that’s damaging for a kid,” said Matt McLarty, Sioux City Public Schools Foundation Development Director. “One of the foundation’s aims is to make sure that all kids get equal treatment while they’re in public schools.”